In December 2020, we told you about a new secure way to log into the MOT testing system (MTS) via your smartphone.
If you don’t have a smartphone, you can still log in by email or with your existing security card.
Chris Price, Head of MOT policy, takes a closer look.
From mid-February 2021, you will be able to log into MTS using an authentication app on your smartphone.
Once the app is set up, you only need to authenticate once a day, which will make it easier to access MTS.
The system will remember certain details when the authentication takes place. If any of these change, the system prompts you to authenticate again, much like a bank does.
So, if you change site location, such as visiting another garage, the system will prompt you to authenticate again.
As we rollout the app, we will stop issuing replacement and new security cards. So, from mid-February if you lose or damage your security card it won’t be replaced. From then, you will be able to login to MTS via email or by using the authentication app.
Once you’ve set up the app you will no longer be able to use the security card.
Why is this happening?
We’re making these changes to improve MTS security and make it easier to use.
Only having to authenticate once a day using the app or email will make accessing MTS quicker. Plus, new users won’t have to wait for a card before they can access the service.
When we spoke to testers about the changes, over half of them told us their preferred security method is to use an app.
How to set up the app
When the app goes live, these screens will be visible on MTS:
Step 1
Download and install an authentication app to your device, for example Authy or Microsoft authenticator. These can be found by searching online or on the App store.
Select ‘Set up authentication app’ in your MTS profile.
Step 2
You will be asked to confirm you have an app installed on your device.
Step 3
Using the camera on your device, scan the QR barcode in MTS and the app will generate a 6-digit code for you to input.
Step 4
Set up is now complete, and the app can be used to generate a 6-digit code each time you need to sign into your account.
Can I still login using my security card or via email?
Existing users will still be able to sign in via email or by using a security card, as long as the card is still working.
Once the app is set up, this replaces your security card.
New users will not have an option to apply for a security card. Login will be via app or by email.
What happens next?
Authentication by app will go live from mid-February and we will let you know before this happens.
As we rollout the app, we will remove the option for MTS users to order a new or replacement security card.
180 comments
Comment by Jerry A posted on
How pedantic and childish do a lot of people on here sound ? If this is the level of tester we have, they're better off out of the trade. No wonder the Mot scheme has a bad name. Get over yourselves, you sound pathetic.
Just like the manual, read the whole article and not just the bit that suits you.
Comment by D posted on
Hi Dvsa,
What will happen if you change phone and you have to reinstall all the apps?
cheers
D.
Comment by Andrew posted on
Julia, you're a star for putting up with this comment section. An authenticator app is a great move forwards for the industry. P.S. what's the app call.. just kidding.
Comment by Chris posted on
Who supplies the phone ,To use for work purposes? as I guess government/Council workers would be given a phone to use .
As at this time I pay for the yearly mot refresher course and now you want me to supply a phone .
You do know the wages for an mot tester is on parr or less than Aldi .
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
Logging in via a smartphone is an option. You can still log in via email if you prefer or your card while it's still working.
Comment by Nigel posted on
Hi how do I sign in with email .when I try it says I do not have an email linked to my account but I do have an email listed under my profile.
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
The email on your profile must be unique to you and not used elsewhere in MTS. I suspect your profile email address is repeated, perhaps your AE or VTS details? Make your preferred and necessary changes so your profile email is unique to you in MTS and ensure only you have access to that email and you’ll be able to sign in with email.
Comment by Simon Birchall posted on
Hi if you log in on your tablet or phone how do you print the mot certificate after you have finished the test
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
The changes relating to how you authenticate do not alter the way test certificates are printed.
Comment by Tariq posted on
I prefer to use card and get new card when needed
I don’t have smart phone . If something works we’ll leave it .
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
After the app is introduced in mid-February, we will not be issuing new security cards or replacing lost or broken ones.
Comment by . posted on
I think this is a backward idea and the only purpose is to save you money, its not that hard to press a little button to get a code. Does this phone app require internet access generate the code to sign in? My phone is a smart phone although quite old it does what i need so have no desire to get a new one or download any silly apps. I download my emails off the server to one computer at home ONLY, i WILL NOT use another computer to check my emails, and i dont check my emails daily.
Comment by Kieran posted on
Wow, just read most of the comments. If this doesn't make for good reading, then you're dead inside.
Comment by Andrew posted on
This will be very helpful. The smart cards are rubbish anyway, the replacement I got for a faulty one has already gone faulty within weeks and I waste time every day trying to guess what the last corrupted character on the card might be.
Comment by Tom Davies posted on
I have no problem with this at all, it's modern technology and easy and accessible for most, if your employer has trust issues with you carrying your phone, ask yourself do you really want to work for them?! Also please read the blog, well done Julia dvsa for keeping your cool whilst answering the Same questions over and over again. Hopefully this app will stop people 'testing' in lay-bys on a Sunday ?.
Comment by David Matthews posted on
I'm trying to install Microsoft Authenticator but they are are asking for date of birth as there are age requirements based on where i live !!! Is there a .gov app as opposed to an American one ?
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
You are free to choose an app of your choice however, suspect most will have similar set up criteria.
Comment by Kyle posted on
You can tell the old timers from the youngsters, If your using your own data it’s not going to brake the bank a few minutes to log in and those moaning about using mobile phones at work it’s once a day. So first thing in the morning just before the first mot. Its not required every test. Stop being dinosaurs and come forward with the times
Comment by bert posted on
well said Kyle, things need to move forward not backwards
Comment by C R Taylor posted on
So, this would ‘ assume ‘ we, or I, actually have a smart phone in the first place ?
What happens if :-
A, someone does not have a ‘ smart phone ‘ ?
and
B, actually has no ‘ need ‘ for such a device !
and
C, does not actually “ want “ such an item ?
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
It's explained in the blog post that you can still log in via email or your smartcard while it's still working so you don't have to log in by app if you choose not to but after the app is introduced in mid-February, we will not be issuing new security cards or replacing lost or broken ones.
Comment by A Mohamed posted on
I think is great idea and technology is moving forward so is the mot system the banks use a app and everyone use it, it is secure other wise the banks would not use online and app’s well done to DVSA.
For keeping up with technology.
Comment by Denis Calvert posted on
Wow very emotive subject
Comment by Peter posted on
If it works it will be good but I know from experience with this through my work and the mot systems this will not be the case. But let's see what will happen if you app crashes can your email system keep up with demand of thousands of emails at once
Comment by Jon chambers posted on
Well I can understand in some ways we have to move forward “ and you say this will save time in only logging in once a day” I will ask my boss if he will upgrade my basic pay as you go phone “ for a smartphone .
Comment by John posted on
What happens if I forget phone or it won’t work first time of the day ( as smart phones tend to freeze ) is there another way to log in for emergencies thanku
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
It states clearly in the blog post that you can still log in by email as you have been able to do for some time. You can also use your smartcard until it breaks or stops working.
Comment by rick posted on
what about the older people or dont own a smart phone !! one less thing for you to do, And use our phone Data up.
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
The blog post clearly explains that you can log in via email. In March 2020, we advised all testers, AEs and site managers about the need to have a unique email address in MTS that no one else can access. Having an email is a requirement to use the service and is written into the MOT testing guide.
Staff can use a free email provider such as Gmail if their testing station does not provide individual email addresses to staff. This is explained in the MOT testing guide.
Comment by Tod Tuer posted on
Hi I have tried to find a section to fill in with my email for this app but so far haven’t found it can you tell me where I should be looking ? Thanks
Comment by marky posted on
This sounds like a terrible idea to me. I don't have a smart-phone; I don't want or need one and certainly won't be getting one and paying monthly fees just to log in to my MOT account. I also would like to keep my personal email address to myself and my personal computer, not have to log in to my employer's computer to access it at work! I appreciate that the logistics of issuing cards must be a nightmare, and that some will be very happy using apps and scanning QR codes... until their phone breaks, gets hacked, lost or stolen; but there's a few of us out here that are very skeptical about relying on wireless technology and the inter-web to do absolutely everything!!
Comment by Chris Reed posted on
I also Think it's a great idea, and a step in the right direction for progress. My security card has packed up a couple of times, and I was logging on via email authentication while I waited for a new one and it was much nicer having to put a code in just the once. Got to move with the technology!
Comment by Marc posted on
Needs to go one step further and log onto and off tests on the app that would be the future
Comment by Christopher potten posted on
Just a small query as AE i tend to log in at home on my phone to check test quality information purchase slots etc will I have to do this via email once my card has stopped working as I obviously won't be able to photograph QR code or will I need to use another device
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
You can do this by email or download an app to authenticate into MTS in the new way.
Comment by Tont S posted on
As I remember the original idea behind the "Security Card" was to improve Security.
If some one learns my / your login details the Security Card was introduced as an extra Security Measure to ensure that no one else could log in my / your account without applying a One Off Authentication Code as produced by the Security Card.
Seems to me to be a step backwards!
Comment by derek posted on
well well well. why should mot testers have to keep up with all this... we dont get any extra money. i think that with all we do now is becomming a joke. the responsability for us testers is just not worth the hassle.
Comment by nick posted on
can you download the app on a pc
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
No the authenticator apps are for smartphones. You can still log into MTS by email or use your smartcard until it breaks or stops working.
Comment by Dave Hobson posted on
I Teach the MOT testing qualification at college, I am only allowed access to the demo site, I don't see the same screens as testers, is there any way I can get a demo of this so that I can teach my candidates the correct procedure - no benefit me talking about the cards anymore.
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
The blog sets out the sign up process with pictures This should be all you needed to teach your candidates the correct procedure. Maybe keep this post as a reference.
Comment by stephen porter posted on
how long before the cards are turned off? not long I suspect
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
You can continue to sign in with your card as long as it is still working. Once the app is set up, this replaces your security card.
New users will not have an option to apply for a security card but will sign in via app or by email.
Comment by Mohamed Qureshi posted on
OK so once I'm logged in to the system how do we print ou the pss or fail certificate many thnx
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
The changes relating to how you authenticate do not alter the way test certificates are printed.
Comment by Helen Robinson posted on
Sounds a briliant idea, but what happens when card fails, you have a policy with no personal email use at work, plus no access to personal e-mail when at work and my personal phone is not a smart phone. does that mean you send customer else where?
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
Since June 2020 email sign in has been used successfully by many users as the required second method of signing into MTS should a security card be lost, damaged or forgotten. If your email is missing from your profile or is a shared email or you don’t have access to your email account this will mean that you can’t log into MTS. You will need a unique email to do this work.
Comment by helen posted on
Dear Julia Thank you for the reply but the business has a policy of no personal e-mail use at work, and looking at the number of responses you have had this is not unusual. Exceptions have been made when cards have failed but that is short term only and e-mail login has proved to be clunky and slow. kind regards
Comment by James posted on
Great stuff dvsa ? 99% people have smart phones I think it’s a great idea
Comment by Philip lockwood posted on
If it aint broke dont fix it.
phil
Comment by mark mitchell posted on
what is a authy our microsft aythticter because i have not got a clue could we have it in english
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
Perhaps you could ask a colleague to help you.
Comment by Mick posted on
It’s worrying testers can’t even read and digest the smallest bit of information without asking questions on the information they have just read.Julia I apologise in advance for people.
Comment by Paul Morrison posted on
My phone is not compatible with the app. So once this goes live and my card breaks, as I will not be given a new card I presume then that I will no longer be able to log on and perform a test? In which case please pay me my lost future earnings because you have now made me redundant.
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
Since June 2020 email sign in has been used successfully by many users as a second method of signing into MTS should a security card be lost, damaged or forgotten. Ensure you have a unique email on your profile - if you don’t will mean you can’t log into MTS.
Comment by Paul Morrison posted on
So without an app-compatible phone I need to log into my own secure personal email on a non-secure works computer which can be accessed by all and sundry at work and send an authentication request. Then wait for the reply. Then log into my email again to get the number. Then log into the MoT system. Ten seconds for a card log in or ten minutes (or more, depending on how quick the reply system is) for an email log in. Hmmm, let me think about this .... Not exactly saving me any time is it? In fact it is just wasting my time.
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
Using an authentication app to log in will be quicker. As part of your on-going requirements as a tester you are required to have an email address recorded on your MTS profile that is unique to you and one only you can access. Our research found that testers who used the app and email preferred change and saved time.
Comment by Pete posted on
When does the daily authentication time-out and can you sign-out? Currently if a tester leaves the site with their card that extra level of security preventing unauthorised system access would disappear if the system remains 'open'.
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
The system remembers certain details during the first authentication and if they remain the same it will last all day. You can sign in and out as normal ensuring you sign out once you have completed a particular task or leave the device.
Comment by James Semple posted on
Do we have to think up a different six digit number every day and remember it ?
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
No. Step 3 in the blog post tells you clearly that a 6-digit number is automatically generated.
Comment by Raju Malik posted on
This new idea of using personal phone is a bad idea.
I don’t use mobile phone for work, it gets messy and sometimes it’s difficult to use.
I don’t like .
Please have understanding for us older folks, we don’t like changes .
Please keep the old system, there is nothing wrong with what have been done all this time .
Thanks for your understanding
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
You will still be able to use your card until it stops working or log in by email.
Comment by Bradley posted on
Will be better than me losing or breaking my card all the time should be a good idea
Comment by GRAHAM BAKER posted on
i will find it much easier if i can use E mail to log in
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
Yes, you can use email to log in.
Comment by bert posted on
So do i need an app on my phone as well as the computer I use to do my testing?
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
No, just download an authentication app from your smartphone app store, sign into MTS as normal, then go to your profile page and then set up the authentication app. This process links the phone app to your profile. Once this is done the app on your phone generates a 6-digit code in the same way as a security code which MTS will recognise and allow you access.
Comment by Les Cook posted on
Hello what do i do if i do not have a smart phone?
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
It is explained in the blog post that you can log in via email. The ability to do this has been around for some time. You can also use your smart card until it breaks or stops working.
Comment by Justin posted on
Even more faff than the security card, but getting rid of it saves you money! What happens when phone runs out of charge? Bet i cant do mots.
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
Signing into MTS with a security card is time consuming and means you have to enter a security code every time. For many testers this process is repeated several times a day, the app and email sign in remembers previous sign in information which enables once a day authentication.
Comment by Ronnie posted on
I don't find it a hastle useing the card's and only on my 2nd one never used the Email service either I don't have a smartphone by the way
Comment by W Morgan posted on
I hardly call pressing a button and typing a 6 digit code time consuming ! Such an easy effective system which has worked well for quite some time now.
Last week I for the first time tried to log in using email, but said I didn't have an account, so have stuck with the faithful old card - still on my original one !
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
In March 2020, we advised all testers, AEs and site managers about the need to have a unique email address in MTS that no one else can access. Having an email is a requirement to use the service and is written into the MOT testing guide.
Staff can use a free email provider such as Gmail if their testing station does not provide individual email addresses to staff. This is explained in the MOT testing guide.
Comment by Robby posted on
Does that not mean anyone else at the VTS can then log into my MOT account.
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
No, you sign in and out of the system in the same way as you do now except you will authenticate once a day using your unique email address or a mobile phone or device which is personal to you.
Comment by Ed posted on
Then just require authentication from the smart card once a day.
That's what the App is promising. You system is already in place and ready for this.
Smartphones in the workshop is not what any workshop manager wants.
Comment by Jack posted on
Justin, please don't be such a drip.
It's a much easier and flexible approach to signing in. DVSA are listening and have done well with this. Hopefully it'll go smoothly and work fine.
Comment by Ian Wills posted on
I spend my life trying to ban mobile phones from Testers / Staff
Really thoughtful of DVSA - and great for health and safety !!
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
Our research showed the majority of testers kept their smart phone when in the workshop However, with once a day authentication most users will not need access to their smart phone throughout the day.
Comment by Mart posted on
Do people read the article before commenting? Sounds like a great idea to me. Just to clarify for people who didn’t read it, you will still be able to use your smart card or log in using your email address.
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
If you download an app, it will replace your smart card. You can still log in by email or use your card until it stops working.
Comment by myke posted on
Will it work on my 4year old Windows 10 smartphone.
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
It depends if the phone allows you to download an authenticator app. It may not be possible, but give it a go. You'll still be able to log in with email or your security card if not. Thanks
Comment by myke posted on
Hi Julia, found it on Microsoft store, searched for "Microsoft authenticator" for Windows10 mobile phone, installed and ready to go. Thanks
Comment by mark mitchell posted on
thanks julia what i was asking is what is called on the app store so i can get the right app i have problems with mywords/ reading thatts all
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
Hi - if you have and android phone, go to Play store and search for Authy or Microsoft authenticator. These and other apps that do the same thing will come up. You need to download one and, when the system goes live, follow the steps in the blog post to link to the MTS system that you log into to carry out/record tests. The same goes if you have an Apple phone. Thanks.
Comment by Sanj Sharma posted on
Good idea let's hope it goes smoothly
Comment by Stephen Ball posted on
I couldn't find the app.
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
Hi - if you have and android phone, go to Play store and search for Authy or Microsoft authenticator. These and other apps that do the same thing will come up. You need to download one and, when the system goes live, follow the steps in the blog post to link to the MTS system that you log into to carry out/record tests. The same goes if you have an Apple phone. Thanks.
Comment by Tony Maun posted on
Hope it lasts all day unlike the email sign in which doesn’t !!!
Comment by Ron posted on
I don't have mobile phone, so I’m using the card, Tried to log on with email. It won't let me. What do I do when my card packs in?
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
Your email address must be unique to your profile and not used/listed elsewhere in MTS. Check the details on the VTS or AE details - I suspect you’ll see the same email address listed there. An email cannot be duplicated elsewhere in MTS. Make your preferred and the necessary changes so your profile email is unique to you in MTS and ensure only you have access to that email and you’ll be able to sign in.
Comment by Ron posted on
Thank you, I have one email that I use for everything. Do I need to set up another so that I can log on. The system won't let me log on with my existing email. Why?
Ron
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
If your email address is used elsewhere within MTS this is seen as not being unique, perhaps your AE or VTS details? Make your preferred and necessary changes so your profile email is unique to you in MTS and ensure only you have access to that email and you’ll be able to sign in with email.
Comment by Mark Marsden posted on
No thanks unless you supply a smartphone
Comment by Kev posted on
While I do agree that this is a step forward, it does also raise the question why I should use my own personal phone or tablet for my employers benefit ?
The employer won’t let employees connect to wireless, so they would be using their own data plans to access.
It will also raise the question why employees are using their phones in work time, but then it’s unfair for the employer to expect it be ok to log into the MOT service on my phone but not to answer an important call or text ??
Just a thought !!!
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
Thank you for your comments. You will still be able to log in by email.
Comment by trevor harris posted on
didnt ask me,what if as my phone fails and security card not replaceable no way i can sign on???
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
You can still log in by email. This has been in use for some time and will continue.
Comment by Hamish Benton posted on
What is the name of the App I'm struggling to find it
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
Hi - if you have and android phone, go to Play store and search for Authy or Microsoft authenticator. These and other apps that do the same thing will come up. You need to download one and, when the system goes live, follow the steps in the blog post to link to the MTS system that you log into to carry out/record tests. The same goes if you have an Apple phone.
Comment by Hamish Benton posted on
Thanks I've downloaded it. Is there a date when its live?
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
As in the blog post, the app will go live mid February.
Comment by Derek Senior posted on
Will you be able to have the app on several devices? Will you be able to use a laptop as we don’t have a Wi-fi printer?
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
No, you can only have one device/app linked to your profile. The changes relating to how you authenticate do not alter the way you use a printer.
Comment by Stephen Parsons posted on
Great thanks ?
Comment by Mr mot posted on
I can see pro’s and con’s to this change. Although I don’t understand how it’ll increase security as it seems it’ll reduce it slightly when removing authentication at every login after the first. Most smart devices memorise login usernames and passwords so once authenticated the device is open for anyone to use and access the system.
Comment by john stratford posted on
Are you going to supply me with a mobile for work or pay for my service provider ?? Why should I use my personal phone for your business??
Do you really think this is making things more secure ? I think it will actually allow more fraud by unscrupulous testers .
I will only do this when you provide a works phone and service .
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
You don't have to use the app if you don't want to. The blog post gives other ways of logging into the service.
Comment by Kev posted on
Only until the card breaks!! Then we are supposed to get a smartphone?? Don’t think so
Comment by Julian E posted on
I appreciate you don't have to log in with an app but my phone won't support another app and my work have said they will not supply one if it does fully go this way in the end .
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
You will still be able to log in by email.
Comment by dave posted on
it clearly tells you you can log in via email. the cards that we use at the minute are not the futer move forward or you will get left behind.
Comment by Julian posted on
Thanks Dave and Julia, as already noted I understand you can log in without an app.
Comment by Peter adams posted on
What if you don’t have a phone some people don’t want a phone
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
The second sentence in the blog post says 'If you don’t have a smartphone, you can still log in by email or with your existing security card.'
Comment by Tony James ryan posted on
Brilliant idea
Comment by mark mitchell posted on
what is the app going to be called so we can look it up on the app store and will it work on a apple phone
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
Under step 1 in the blog post, it says: 'Download and install an authentication app to your device, for example Authy or Microsoft authenticator.' You have to download an authentication app for this to work and the blog post gives all the steps to take. As it says in the blog post, you will be able to do this from mid February. This blog post it to give advance notice. You can find an authentication app in the App store or Google Play store.